Saturday, June 21, 2014

Radiance, by Alyson Noel. Twelve year old Riley Bloom has been dead for a year, along with her parents and beloved dog, Buttercup. Ever, her older and revered sister was left behind. Riley now lives in the Here & Now, where there is no time, other than "now." She struggles with being Here and not annoying her sister, whom she is sure is witnessing some awesome things. In the Here, she has an assignment to face Radiant Boy and bring across the bridge, a task no one has yet been able to do. Bodhi, a dorky looking boy, is assigned to be her teacher and because he has his doubts, he promises to teach her to fly to London if she can accomplish it. Not only does she accomplish it, but she helps him confront his own assignment . . . Whaling Woman, so that he can move to the next level.

This is a quick and simple read and one that many girls would enjoy. I found it to be a bit loose with a lack of deep character development. I would not recommend it as a read aloud, but for that specific girl that will not recognize its flaws, it could be enjoyed.